Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has received a delivery order to supply its multi-channel Falcon III® HMS (Handheld, Manpack & Small Form-Fit) Manpack radios to support two major U.S. Army test events — the order was received during the first quarter of Harris' fiscal 2018.

Harris Falcon III HMS Manpack radio.

The Harris AN/PRC-158 multi-channel radio — both dismounted and mounted manpack configurations — is one of three radios the Army selected for evaluation during Field-based Risk Reduction (FBRR) and Operational Test (OT). The order also includes vehicle installation kits, ancillaries, training and field service representative support. The first radios are expected to be delivered in the spring of 2018.

Harris’ HMS Manpack radio features a two-channel, software-defined architecture with integrated cross-banding. It includes SRW, SINCGARS and MUOS SATCOM waveforms, while maintaining backward interoperability with legacy waveforms. The software-defined architecture enables the addition of capabilities through software updates to respond to new and emerging threats.

Brendan O'Connell, president, Tactical Communications, Harris Communication Systems, stated that the Army is partnering with Harris to modernize its communication capabilities to support the growing need for information on the battlefield,. The HMS Manpack is critical to these modernization efforts and gives warfighters a tactical advantage.